Banana Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipe

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. It's traditionally made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. The Banana Old Fashioned is a modern twist on this classic, incorporating banana liqueur or a muddled banana to add a fruity complexity that complements the whiskey's warmth.

• Who Would Enjoy It?
  • Whiskey aficionados looking for a unique twist
  • Fans of fruit-infused cocktails
  • Those who appreciate classic cocktails with a modern edge

The Banana Old Fashioned offers a rich, velvety texture with a sweet, caramel-like banana flavor that balances the spicy, oak notes of the whiskey. It's a strong cocktail with a lingering, mellow fruit finish.

• The Old Fashioned is often cited as the original cocktail.
• Banana flavor pairs well with the vanilla and caramel notes found in many whiskeys.
• This cocktail is a perfect example of how classic drinks can be adapted to suit modern tastes.

1. In a mixing glass, combine the bourbon, banana liqueur, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters.
2. Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
4. Express the orange peel over the glass to release its oils and then drop it into the drink.
5. Garnish with a banana slice on the rim of the glass.

• Always use a high-quality bourbon as the base spirit for the best flavor.
• When expressing the orange peel, make sure to do it over the glass to capture all the essential oils.
• Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink colder for longer.

Appetizers

• Cheese boards: The richness of cheese complements the sweetness of the banana and the robustness of the bourbon. Try nutty and aged cheeses to contrast the sweetness.
• Cured Meats: The saltiness of cured meats such as prosciutto would counterbalance the sweetness and enhance the savory notes of the bourbon.

Desserts

• Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate could enhance the deep flavors of the bourbon while playing nicely with the banana liqueur's sweetness.
• Pecan Pie: The nutty and caramel flavors will pair delightfully with the cocktail's complexity.

Main Dishes

• Pulled Pork Sliders: The cocktail's richness and the sweetness from the banana can cut through the fattiness of the pork.
• Grilled Steaks: A well-seasoned steak would stand up to the bold flavors of this Old Fashioned variant.

• Bourbon: You can use rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
• Banana Liqueur: If you don't have banana liqueur, muddle a few slices of ripe banana in the glass before adding the other ingredients.
• Simple Syrup: Maple syrup can be used for a more autumnal flavor profile.

Coffee-Infused Banana Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Replace banana liqueur with coffee-infused bourbon.
• Instructions: Follow the original recipe but use the coffee-infused bourbon in place of plain bourbon and banana liqueur. Flavor Twist: You'll get a cocktail with a caffeine kick, blending the deep notes of coffee with the sweet complexity of the bourbon.

Spicy Banana Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Add a small slice of fresh chili to the mixing process.
• Instructions: Muddle the chili with the simple syrup before adding the other ingredients. Flavor Twist: This drink will have a spicy kick that can warm you up on a cold evening, adding a fiery contrast to the sweet and smooth banana notes.

Banana Nut Old Fashioned

• Ingredients: Use walnut bitters instead of Angostura and garnish with a candied walnut.
• Instructions: Replace the Angostura bitters with walnut bitters and follow the rest of the original recipe. Flavor Twist: The walnut bitters will give a nutty depth to the drink, playing up the dessert qualities and creating a beautiful harmony with the rich bourbon and sweet banana.